An 6.1 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter near western Cuba is the largest recorded earthquake in the Gulf of Mexico since 1950, according to officials.
The quake struck Monday at 2 p.m. EDT at a depth of 6 miles and sent shockwaves that reached as far as southern Florida and Cancun, Mexico.
The United States Geological Survey reports this was the largest instrumentally recorded earthquake in the Gulf of Mexico since 1950. Only six earthquakes of magnitude 5 or higher have been recorded in the gulf since 950, including Monday’s quake.
No injuries or major damages have been reported and no tsunami threat is expected.
Officials in Miami-Dade County implemented standard evacuation protocols under “an abundance of caution” and continue to assess affected facilities. They advise those in the area to be prepared for possible aftershocks and to monitor official sources for emergency information and updates.
This quake occurred within 24 hours of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the Philippines on Monday.